Reframing Cultural Landmarks: A Local Approach to Architecture in the Middle East

Architecture as Cultural Continuity

A compelling narrative is emerging in the Middle East, where local architects are crafting cultural landmarks that resonate deeply with their surroundings. Unlike some international projects that abstract local traditions into grand gestures, these architects engage directly with historical structures, materials, and spatial traditions. They prioritize continuity, weaving the past into the present through adaptive restoration and contextualized new construction.

The Bait Mohammed Bin Khalifa in Al Ain exemplifies this approach. This rare survivor of pre-oil modernism has been thoughtfully adapted into a cultural center, preserving its architectural character and community function. Similarly, the Mleiha Archaeological Centre in Sharjah seamlessly integrates 4,000-year-old artifacts into the visitor experience, its radial design and locally sourced sandstone echoing the site's deep history.

Other projects extend existing heritage. The Nuhad Es-Said Pavilion for Culture expands Beirut's National Museum, blending archival preservation with flexible contemporary exhibition space. Oman's History of Science Centre links Islamic scientific heritage with current research, its geometric patterns drawn from historic architecture. Meanwhile, Bahrain's House for Architectural Heritage preserves an urban site's "found" condition, capturing a snapshot of the city's evolving architectural story.

Adaptive Reuse and Site-Specific Transformation

Rather than sweeping demolitions, local architects are embracing adaptive reuse, transforming existing structures and landscapes into vibrant cultural spaces. They see historical and industrial remnants as valuable layers to be integrated into contemporary life, preserving memory and identity.

The Diriyah Biennale Foundation exemplifies this, repurposing eight decommissioned warehouses in Riyadh's JAX district. The industrial aesthetic remains, now infused with cultural programming and exhibition spaces. Similarly, the Shamalat Cultural Center in Diriyah adapts a traditional mud house, blending restoration with contemporary materials to create an intimate space for artistic expression.

Other projects engage directly with the landscape. Jordan's Royal Academy for Nature Conservation is built within an abandoned quarry, its design incorporating the existing rock formations. This minimizes environmental disruption while turning the site's history into a defining feature. These projects demonstrate a sustainable, context-aware approach, ensuring built heritage and landscape histories remain visible and accessible.

Public Engagement through Open Cultural Spaces

A defining characteristic of these locally designed cultural projects is their focus on public engagement and accessibility. These spaces are designed to be inclusive platforms for community gathering and knowledge exchange, blurring the lines between private and public.

The House for Architectural Heritage, with its large sliding doors that lift to connect the exhibition space with the street, epitomizes this approach. Similarly, the Diriyah Biennale Foundation's open-air central plaza and exterior walkways create a fluid, non-hierarchical experience.

Other projects offer sequential spatial experiences. The Desert X AlUla 2024 Visitor Centre takes visitors on a processional journey, culminating in a terrace overlooking the desert landscape. The Shamalat Cultural Center fosters storytelling and artistic exchange within its reimagined mud house. These projects demonstrate that architecture for cultural engagement is about creating interactive experiences that invite curiosity and participation, ensuring these institutions remain vibrant community hubs.